“They would have more options if Ronaldo wasn’t playing” - World Cup-winning France legend on Cristiano Ronaldo starting Euro 2024 QFs
France legend Frank Leboeuf has come down hard on Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the Euro 2024 quarterfinal meeting between Portugal and France. The Portuguese ace helped his country overcome a defiant Slovenia side to qualify for the quarter-finals of the continental competition on Monday, July 1.
Portugal claimed a 3-0 penalty shootout win their Round of 16 bout with Slovenia, with Ronaldo scoring in the shootout after missing from the spot in extra time. The Selecao will next face 2022 FIFA World Cup runners-up France in the quarterfinals in a repeat of the 2016 final.
Les Blues, meanwhile, defeated Belgium 1-0 in their Round of 16 encounter to qualify for the quarterfinals in what has been a goal-shy tournament for the French. Leboeuf believes France will have it much easier if Cristiano Ronaldo starts, as he limits the Portugal team.
Leboueuf shared his thoughts on ESPN FC, claiming that French defenders Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba will hope that the 39-year-old Real Madrid legend plays in the quarter-finals.
“I would say yes [I feel Ronaldo starting for Portugal would be better for France] because he is a magnet. The players are influenced by the fact that he’s on the field. I talked about that before the game, they would have more options, less talent maybe, but still more options if Ronaldo wasn’t playing," he said. "Since he is playing, they have to give him the ball. If he makes a run, and you can see the way he behaves when he doesn’t receive the ball, he goes, ‘why didn’t you give me the ball?"
“For France, you have to take care of him because you know that at some point players are going to look for him. Those players they’re playing with somebody who is already a legend and they know they cannot cope with him [if he’s frustrated]. It’s not Ronaldo’s fault, it’s just human behavior. If I say that Saliba and Upamecano will be hoping Ronaldo plays, people would think I believe Cristiano is bad, which is not true," Leboueuf added.
He continued:
“It’s just because Saliba and Upamecano will know that in their area nobody is going to come around because nobody wants to distract Cristiano Ronaldo’s possibilities to get the ball. That’s why it’s better for them to have Ronaldo on the field.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has gone from winning the Golden Boot at Euro 2020 to struggling in front of goal in Euro 2024. The Al-Nassr is yet to score in the ongoing edition and will be keen to end his dismal run by scoring against the French.
Cristiano Ronaldo announces that Euro 2024 will be his last
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that Euro 2024 will be his last European Championship as a professional footballer after his side's win over Slovenia. The 39-year-old is playing in his sixth edition, having first played as a teenager in Euro 2004.
Ronaldo was reduced to tears after missing a penalty in extra time against Slovenia but recovered to score in the shootout. After the game, he revealed to O Jogo (via Sport Bible) that he felt emotional, saying:
“It is, without doubt, my last European Championship. But I'm not emotional about that. I'm moved by all that football means — by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm for seeing my supporters, my family, the affection people have for me.
"It's not about leaving football, because if I do, what else would I need to do or win? It won't be about getting one more point or one less point. Making people happy is what motivates me the most," Ronaldo added.
Portugal and Ronaldo had goalkeeper Diogo Costa to thank for reaching the quarter-finals. The FC Porto man saved three penalties in the shootout to give his captain another shot at glory in the tournament.